The 101st Tokyo-Hakone Relay Race, affectionately known as the Hakone Ekiden, captured the hearts of sports fans as it showcased not only outstanding athletic prowess but also the triumphant return of Tokyo University participants after five years. This year's race, held on January 3, 2025, saw the Kanto University Union team field Tokyo University students, marking their first appearance since 2020.
Running the 8th leg for the Kanto University Union, Takuma Akiyoshi, a third-year student, delivered a stellar performance at the highly competitive event. Awaited with bated breath, Akiyoshi traversed the 6.9-kilometer checkpoint at Chigasaki, finishing with the fastest time of 19:49, surging past his competition and setting the stage for his team, breaking through expectations.
His contribution was met with fervent excitement online, as fans celebrated Akiyoshi’s accomplishments and pointed out the rarity of Tokyo University runners excelling without the traditional sport scholarship support. "It's amazing to see such times come from students of Tokyo University, where there are often no sports scholarships," observed supporters, reflecting on the remarkable achievement.
With expectations soaring, Akiyoshi successfully passed the baton to his teammate Daiko Furukawa, who is pursuing a doctoral degree and is 29 years old—an impressive feat of athleticism and dedication. Their baton exchange realized the much-anticipated "Akamon Relay," symbolic of unity and excellence at both university and graduate school levels.
Fans enthusiastically noted, "The ‘Akamon Relay between the university and graduate school is like a dream, showcasing both academic and athletic excellence!" This unique relay reinvigorated interest among alumni and students alike, as Akiyoshi and Furukawa’s participation bridged years of absence from the Hakone Ekiden.
The event commenced at Lake Ashi, Hirakawa, and stretched over 109.6 kilometers to Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. The stands were packed with spectators, and the air buzzed with anticipation as the historical significance of Tokyo University’s return unfolded. Onlookers expressed their admiration for the Kanto student runners as they demonstrated their spirit and camaraderie throughout the relay race.
Despite their open participation status—preventing them from formally ranking or holding sector records—Akiyoshi's impressive time and strong showing at the Chigasaki checkpoint made notable waves. His pacing and determination electrified the crowd, as he became the first Tokyo University student to run the 8th leg since 2020's absence.
Furukawa, joining for the 9th leg, has been involved with the relay for years, having missed the previous opportunities due to various circumstances, including the pandemic, leaving this event as his first and potentially last attempt at the prestigious marathon relay.
Fans described the relay as not just about numbers but memories, with Akiyoshi's performance echoing through the crowd as "This is Hakone Ekiden!" It was clear to all present than this year's run was more than just statistics; it represented years of hard work, anticipation, and the melding of scholarly pursuits with the thrills of athletics.
Overall, the 2025 Hakone Ekiden became synonymous with the revival of Tokyo University's presence, capturing the exhilarating blend of young academic talent and athletic spirits united under the banner of the Kanto University Union. The memories forged through challenges faced and unique experiences shared momentarily eclipsed the competitive nature of the event.
Whether viewed through the lens of performance statistics or the warmth of community building, the excitement leading to the next Hakone Ekiden has only begun, as the aspirations of students at Tokyo University continue to flourish. The reawakening of their spirited participation fuels interest and discussions for the coming years, potentially heralding even more dramatic returns and performances.